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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Edith Garwood
704-795-3545 - home
704-517-2064 - cell

Memorial Service for Rachel Corrie, Young American Killed in Gaza Strip

(Charlotte, NC - 4/13/2003) A memorial service for Rachel Corrie will be held Saturday, April 19, 2003 at 3:00 pm at The Wedgewood Baptist Church, 4800 Wedgewood Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina 28210. Rachel Corrie's parents, Craig and Cindy Corrie who live in Charlotte, North Carolina will be in attendance. A reception will be taking place after the service in Fellowship Hall.

Craig and Cindy Corrie realize that Rachel's death has touched many people and have made the service open to the public. They will be available during the reception to receive condolences and answer questions. The Corries will be returning to Washington state to attend other events scheduled there.

The service will open with an acknowledgement to the three historic faiths of the region - Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Individuals will make statements, read poems that have been written in honor of Rachel and her sacrifice and there will be music including the Carolina Voices choral group as Cindy Corrie, Rachel's mother, was a member. The Corries will also be speaking.

Rachel Corrie was killed by an Israeli military bulldozer in Rafah, Gaza Strip March 16, 2003. Rachel had volunteered with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), a Palestinian led, non-violent movement which uses direct action to protest Israel's illegal 36 year occupation of Palestinian territory and aid Palestinians in their daily lives.

The Israeli government has stated that Rachel's death was a "regrettable mistake". Eyewitnesses state that Rachel had been negotiating with the driver for over two hours, was using a bullhorn and wearing a fluorescent orange vest - the driver knew she was there. Photographs taken at the scene and eyewitness accounts can be found at www.palsolidarity.org.

WHAT: Memorial service for Rachel Corrie
WHEN: Saturday, April 19, 2003 at 3:00 pm; Reception to follow
WHERE: Wedgewood Baptist Church, 4800 Wedgewood Drive, Charlotte, NC

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For more information about the Coalition for Peace and Justice - Charlotte, please see: http://cpjnc.tripod.com